South Africa national netball team, who beat Jamaica last month for the first time in 28 years, are gaining more confidence after beating Northern Ireland in all three test series held over the week

The Proteas, who have invited Malawi for test series next month, proved too strong for Northern Ireland by winning the first test 61-37 on Monday, the second 66-42 on Tuesday and wrapped it up 58-52 on Wednesday.

"They were very physical, and that took us by surprise,"

Northern Ireland captain Gemma Gibney is quoted as saying on Netball-sa.co.za.

"They were stronger and faster than we were.

"We were a bit heavylegged because seven players in our team had played in the World University Netball Championships last week

"Northern Ireland need more of this sort of competition. I think they found it a bit daunting."

The Proteas coach Elize Kotze said she was very happy that she had been able to ring the changes and give every member of the squad a game.

"We have enough depth and versatility to be able to do that," she said.

"We started the match with most of the team that beat Jamaica but I had the luxury of being able to bring on replacements.

"I don't like to be too predictable, and the team may look very different tomorrow."

The Proteas have a very tight schedule this year in order to be very strong in preparation for future tournaments as well as gain more points on the world netball governing body, Ifna's rankings .

Their 56-49 win over Jamaica and their performance in the two losses — 61-43 in the first game and 63-48 in the second — will gain them good points. South Africa has invited Malawi for test series next month, which is one way of trying to dislodge the Queens as Africa's number one team.

The three test series wins are by no means easy because Northern Ireland is one of the respected teams in the world though world netball is controlled by four powerhouse--New Zealand, Australia, Jamaica and England.

The top spot in Africa is fought for by Malawi and South Africa.

Malawi Queens are also yet to register a win against one of the netball powerhouses.

However, the Queens are always applauded for their excellent performance despite that they lack proper funding to play high profile test series.

The test matches next month will definitely be a fight for supremacy as both teams will try to win all three.

The Proteas are beaming with confidence after losing

They are doing fine the first two and they walked onto court with a greater belief in themselves and gained immediate respect from not only their opponents but the crowd.

"What a win, what a performance, I am so proud of my girls!" coach Elize Kotze is quoted as saying on Netballsa.co.za.

"This win could be the start of new and great things for the team and netball in South Africa.

"I was really disappointed after the last test. I was hard on the girls and told them that they had to believe in themselves and if they did they would believe in the team and play as a strong unit."

World netball is controlled by four powerhouse — New Zealand, Australia, Jamaica and England while the top spot in Africa is fought for by Malawi and South Africa.

Malawi Queens, who won the African Championship in Tanzania in May, are also yet to register a win against one of the netball powerhouses.

However, the Queens are always applauded for their excellent performance despite that they lack proper funding to play high profile test series.

The Proteas have a very tight schedule this year in order to be very strong in preparation for future tournament.

The win and their performance against Jamaica in the two losses — 61-43 in the first game and 63-48 in the second — a will gain them good points on the world netballgoverning body, Ifna.